Does Running Help You Treat Depression?

Running is often mentioned as a way to lessen the effects of depression, according to this article in Women’s Running. “We all feel bad at times,” says Dr. Glenn Geher, professor and chair of psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz, “and, in fact, that is part of the ‘design’ of our emotion system—negative emotions are critical for our ultimate survival and reproduction as they motivate us toward stimuli that will likely be beneficial for us and away from stimuli that are can harm us.”

As any long-term runner knows, it helps with all kinds of things. In fact, the short list of what recent research suggests includes keeping your mind sharp, helping you connect with your community, extending your life and building confidence. It can also help manage such mental health conditions as depression and anxiety.

Although there are tremendous benefits to running, Dr. Geher explained that depression can be severe and treatments are often ineffective. “Running is great for self-esteem and mood—but it’s hardly a single cure for depression.”